SWANSEA — The School Committee has unanimously approved the use of electronic readers by students at Case Junior High School.

Principal Robert Silveira said students will be allowed to use the readers — such as Kindle, Nook, and other devices — during assigned reading periods. He said the new policy is in line with how other school departments are handling the use of evolving technologies in the schools.

“Basically, it allows them to read e-books and periodicals,” Silveira said.

He said students may only use devices designed for reading.

Silveira said he worked with the School Council to address the issue and draft a policy. He said the council first had some reservations because technology exists at the school and is available to students.

“We are well supplied with technology from the district,” Silveira said.

He said the council was also resistant because members worried that students may be using iPads and similar technology that would allow them to take photos and videos, surf the Internet without supervision and may be distracting in the classroom.

The council has since endorsed the new policy because it is specific to allowing electronic readers.

School Committee member Eric Graham said kids should be able to use e-books at school.

“I think that will get them reading more,” Graham said.

Member A. Keith Carreiro said he is a “strong advocate” for the use of e-readers. He said schools will need to “adapt to future advances in technology.”

Committee member Christopher Carreiro said using e-readers at the junior high will be an “experiment” of sorts. He said the committee may need to “tighten up and address” certain areas of the policy as needed.

Students and parents in the next few days will receive an e-book reader student user agreement. Students who want to bring their electronic book to school will need to sign the form and adhere to the rules.

Joseph Case High School Principal Brian McCann said students have always been able to use the devices at the high school, mainly because they are older and capable of that responsibility.

“At the high school, we have to embrace advances in technology,” McCann said. “We would be doing a disservice to the children if we disallowed them.”